Good News! PM Discusses Border Infrastructure and Southern Peace with Malaysian Leader
Thai and Malaysian prime ministers agreed to accelerate border infrastructure projects including new customs checkpoints and a river crossing in Songkhla and Narathiwat, while reaffirming commitment to peace in Thailand's southern provinces
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held warm and friendly discussions on May 8, 2025, to strengthen bilateral cooperation and advance shared priorities that reflect the strong bond between the two leaders. Government Spokesperson Rachada Thanadirek revealed that the Thai PM emphasized the excellent current state of Thai-Malaysian relations, with both sides maintaining close ties, good familiarity, and smooth coordination, with ongoing progress and virtually no outstanding issues due to the strong personal relationship between the leaders.
The PM confirmed his readiness to make an official visit to Malaysia within 2025, having postponed a trip originally scheduled for late 2024. He expressed his desire to develop a deeper understanding of Malaysia.
Both leaders discussed key cooperative initiatives, particularly accelerating joint border area development including opening the Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam customs checkpoint connection in Songkhla province and the second Kolok River crossing project in Narathiwat to begin construction this year. These projects will enhance trade, travel, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Regarding security and peace in Thailand's southern border provinces, the PM informed Malaysia that Thailand has appointed a new peace dialogue leader with strong knowledge and experience. Both countries agreed that peace and stability form the foundation for long-term joint border development.
The leaders also committed to enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism, aiming to strengthen people-to-people connections through increased travel and tourism activities while expanding economic opportunities at the regional level.
This discussion demonstrates not only the close government-to-government relationship between Thailand and Malaysia but also reflects the mutual trust and familiarity between the two leaders, who are ready to advance concrete cooperation in infrastructure, economic connectivity, and peace-building in the border region for the mutual and sustainable benefit of their peoples.
